Chevron announces first oil from Tahiti Field in Gulf of Mexico

Chevron Corporation has announced that it has started crude oil production from its Tahiti Field, the deepest producing field in the Gulf of Mexico. First oil from Tahiti was achieved on May 5, 2009.
Daily production is expected to ramp up to approximately 125,000 barrels of crude oil and 70 mm cf of natural gas before the end of the year.

The Tahiti Field is one of the largest in the Gulf of Mexico. It was discovered in 2002 and is estimated to contain total recoverable resources of 400 to 500 mm oil-equivalent barrels. The total cost for the first phase of the project is $ 2.7 bn and represents one of 40 projects in which Chevron's share of the investment is over $ 1 bn.
"Tahiti is a significant addition to our growing reserves and production," said George Kirkland, executive vice president, Global Upstream and Gas. "It is another demonstration of our deepwater expertise, and our ability to execute an industry-leading queue of major capital projects."

Tahiti is located at Green Canyon Blocks 596, 597, 640 and 641, approximately 190 miles (305 km) south of New Orleans, and in approximately 4,100 feet (1,250 meters) of water. Primary pay sands are Lower to Middle Miocene from 23,000 to 28,000 feet and lie below a salt canopy ranging from 8,000 to 15,000 feet thick. The deepest producing well is more than 26,700 feet, a record for the Gulf of Mexico. Production is from two subsea drill centres tied backed to a floating production facility supported by a truss spar.
Chevron holds a 58 % working interest in Tahiti and is the operator, StatoilHydro holds a 25 % working interest, and Total owns a 17 % working interest.

Chevron Corporation is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, with subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide. The company's success is driven by the ingenuity and commitment of approximately 62,000 employees who operate across the energy spectrum. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and other energy products; manufactures and sells petrochemical products; generates power and produces geothermal energy; provides energy efficiency solutions; and develops the energy resources of the future, including biofuels and other renewables. Chevron is based in San Ramon, California. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.